Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Arts & Entertainment
Photos: Polar Bear Club Hosts First Swim Of The Season, Calls for New Members
By
Gabrielle Sierra
Published Nov 5, 2013
Modified Nov 6, 2013
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Gabrielle Sierra
View all 19
By
Gabrielle Sierra
Published Nov 5, 2013
Modified Nov 6, 2013
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
This past Sunday the Coney Island Polar Bear Club met for their first swim of the season. The dip, which attracted over fifty brave souls, was held on Coney Island beach, where the club has been conquering the icy waters since 1903.
The cold water swim season runs from November-April, with the infamous New Years Day swim attracting hundreds of masochists adventurous thrill seekers. But if you are looking to find a more long term commitment, the club is on the lookout for ten new members.
New Polar Bears will be chosen through a lottery. Requirements include a $25 fee, participation in twelve swims (within a single season), and approval from the council. In return as a member you will receive a bunch of benefits including a sweet official Club patch for your jacket, and "bragging rights to your wimp friends." Just shoot your name, email, and phone number to [email protected].
If you would rather have a fling with treading ice water (and avoid the long term obligation) just show up by 12:30pm on a Sunday between now and April. Guest dippers are provided with a buddy for moral and physical support, although you may only participate in one swim of the season.
Tagged
coney island
polar bear club
original
Gabrielle Sierra
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE arts-entertainment
Would you live on a Halloween block? These Hackensackers live for it.
A guillotine, killer clowns, clownfish: They've got it all on Clinton Place.
By
James Ramsay
Published Oct 29, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET
Owl pellets and period equity: What's happening at NYC's public libraries this November
Also: Books!
By
Alec Hamilton
Arts & Entertainment
Owl pellets and period equity: What's happening at NYC's public libraries this November
Also: Books!
By
Alec Hamilton
How the Village Halloween Parade keeps its soul
By
Hannah Frishberg
'You Can See Everything' … as long as you go to Staten Island
By
Sonia Rao
Inside the hidden chamber that controls Lincoln Center's magnificent fountain
By
Sonia Rao
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .